The complex originally was built to be an exhibition hall for the downtown Miami area, to attract business conferences, trade shows and conventions.

[6] Shortly after, the newly formed Miami Hurricanes men's basketball team occupied the auditorium and the center was revitalized.

[8] Concurrently, the University of Miami were also looking to build upon the athletic success of the auditorium by adding a public meeting space and lecture hall.

[11] 7 years later in November 2001 Wheel of Fortune would again tape at the Knight Center, however the audience size was reduced following the September 11 Attacks.

65 on the Top 100 North American Tours chart, as well as maximum-capacity performances by internationally acclaimed artists, including Lil Nas X, Pablo Alborán, Gilberto Santa Rosa and Isabel Pantoja.

In 2024 the James L. Knight Center achieved a remarkable milestone, ranking number 19 worldwide among theaters with a capacity of 5,000 seats or less, according to the Billboard Boxscore Midyear report.

This recognition highlights the ongoing success of the James L. Knight Center, which has proven to be one of the leading venues in its category in terms of revenue and popularity.